Third Place Winner (a tie)

Purdue Extension-Marion County Demonstration Garden in Indianapolis, Indiana

Category 2: 10,001-100,000 Visitors

Demonstrating the economic, health, and social benefits of horticulture, Extension Master Gardener volunteers partnered with the Purdue University Extension Marion County office to showcase the 2026 Demonstration Garden. Highlighting 95 All-America Selections (AAS) award winners, the interactive display brought “The Goodness of Gardening” theme to life through bold design and educational community outreach.

The garden featured mass plantings, including a circular “yin & yang” arrangement of Celosia, vibrant Zinnia displays, and a 15-foot “Sweet Life” bed showcasing produce selected for sweetness. Beyond aesthetics, the project directly addressed food insecurity, donating nearly 1,000 pounds of fresh produce to local pantries.

Interactive signage, fence banners, and QR codes educated visitors on environmental stewardship, stress reduction, and physical wellness. Through upcycled trellises, children’s activities, and social media engagement, the garden demystified cultivation practices while providing actionable ideas for home growers. By combining resourceful design with local food donation, the Marion County Demonstration Garden successfully highlighted how gardening strengthens communities, improves individual well-being, and yields lasting environmental health for all.